Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium

Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, which was originally constructed as the Union Gospel Tabernacle and later served as home to the Grand Ole Opry, has been called the “Mother Church of Country Music”  The Grand Ole Opry made the Ryman its home base from 1943 to 1974, and during that time the auditorium hosted some of country music’s biggest names.

The Opry moved to the new Opryland theme park in 1974 and there was talk of tearing down the old Ryman, but public outcry lead to the building being placed on the National Register of Historic Places and saved from demolition. For the next twenty year or so, however, the Ryman remained basically dormant, open for tours but rarely hosting performances.

In 1983, the Ryman was purchased by the Gaylord Broadcasting Company and in 1989 limited renovations began to take place. When portions of Emmyou Harris’ 1991 & 1992 concerts at the auditorium were recorded and released as an album titled “At the Ryman,” there was increased interest in the future of the historic venue.  Major renovations began in fall of 1993, including backstage improvements, the addition of a lobby, restrooms, and concessions – and the auditorium was air conditioned for the first time in its history.

Additional renovations were made in 2015, increasing the lobby size, expanding restrooms, and adding a restaurant and gift shop.

Today, the Ryman hosts a variety of concerts throughout the year. Due to the fairly small audience capacity of 2,362, big acts are often booked for multiple dates. Concert-goers still sit on wooden pew seating that is original to the building.

During the Christmas season, while the big stage at the Opryland Resort is occupied by holiday shows, The Grand Ole Opry moves back to its historic home at the Ryman. These November – December shows are a great way to experience a bit of country music history.

The Ryman Auditorium is located in the heart of downtown Nashville, on 5th Avenue, adjacent to the numerous live music venues of “The District.”  The Hilton Nashville Downtown and the Renaissance Nashville Hotel are hotels located closest to the auditorium, but all of Nashville’s downtown hotels are within walking distance.  See a map of hotels near the Ryman.

Visit the official Ryman Auditorium website for a full listing of events.